Vitamin B3 Containing Polymers for Nanodelivery.

Polymeric nanoparticles with an integrated dual delivery system, facilitating controlled release of bioactive molecules and drugs, offer therapeutic advantages. Key design targets include high biocompatibility, cellular uptake, and encapsulating efficiency. In this study, we synthesized a diverse polymer library derived from niacin, a vitamin B3 integral to metabolic pathways and therapeutics. The library comprised poly(2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl nicotinate), poly(2-acrylamidoethyl nicotinate), and poly(N-(2-acrylamidoethyl)nicotinamide), with varying hydrophilicity in the backbone and pendant group linker. Polymers with higher hydrophobicity were formulated into nanoparticles with diameters below 150 nm, exhibiting a homogeneous spherical distribution, as confirmed by dynamic light scattering and scanning electron microscopy respectively. Encapsulation studies using the model drug neutral lipid orange (NLO) revealed a significant influence of the polymer backbone on efficiency, ranging from 46% for the ester backbone to 96% for the acrylamide backbone. Biological investigations showed that the nanoparticles were non-toxic up to 300 µg mL -1 and exhibited superior cellular uptake. Interestingly, poly(2-(acryloyloxy)ethyl nicotinate) and poly(2-acrylamidoethyl nicotinate) boosted the metabolic activity of the cells. This is attributed to the cellular release of niacin, a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), a central coenzyme in metabolism. The results underline the potential of nutrient-derived polymers as pro-nutrient and drug delivery materials. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.